11 Chic Ways To Cover Your Arms When It’s Hot - Nada Manley

On off on off on off. My on-off relationship with summer layers is more turbulent than a celebrity romance. In Florida, the weather is a bajillion outside and -50 degrees inside. Anyone else?

Or maybe it’s not temperature, but the desire for a little arm coverage, even when it’s hot, that has you looking for summertime jackets and layers. There’s a little extra breeziness that comes with a sleeveless-plus-light-jacket combo that you just can’t get from built-in sleeves on a dress or a shirt, and it’s not just the versatility. It’s the extra air-conditioning.

But here’s the thing. We don’t want to put on a jacket and immediately kill the vibe of the outfit. We want a jacket to add more than arm coverage and climate control. We want it to add style.

Today, I share 11 modern, stylish, and outfit-enhancing jackets and layering pieces that will keep you comfortable and stylish all spring and summer long, while they also cover your arms.

But first, a few pointers.

Tips For Summertime Layers

Choose natural fabrics. Of course. I’m feeling the need for this more and more as I get older, but cotton and linen are the way to go for layering pieces in the summer. Unlined is best, or partially lined. If there is a full lining, make sure it is also breathable.
Choose loose over tight. Worth remembering, even though we all know that looser items give you more breathing room.
Cropped vs Long: As a very general rule, cropped jackets work best with dresses while longer jackets often go better over separates.

And now, on to my recommendations.

11 Chic Jackets For Warm Weather

Here are my choices for the chicest ways to cover your arms in 2024.

The Cropped Trench

This trending style has cool-girl style and versatility, and offers you a way to wear one of your favorite coat styles through spring and summer. Shop all of these styles here.

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The Short Sleeve Cardigan

Short-sleeve cardigans can be a little tricky, with a potential for matronliness. Skip the styles that come with/match dresses, and go for something classic, neutral, and polished instead. Shop all of these styles here.

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The Classic Linen or Cotton Jacket

A classic waist-length jacket in a versatile style is a warm-weather essential, especially in linen or cotton. Shop all of these styles here.

The Linen Blazer

A chic blazer in unlined or partially lined linen is a classic layering piece in warm weather that adds polish to many outfits. Shop all of these styles here.

The Button-Down Shirt

A simple button-down worn unbuttoned makes a great casual layer over jeans, shorts, and other separates. Shop all of these styles here.

The Cropped Jacket or Blazer

A cropped jacket is an easy update to all of your essentials, and works equally well over separates and dresses. Shop all of these styles here.

The Shacket

Feels like a jacket, looks like a shirt – this hybrid style has been trending for a few years, and works well in casual looks. Shop all of these styles here.